Mac OS X lags only in its historically weaker 3D graphics support. Without software drivers as optimized for the tasks, the platform is noticeably slower than Windows both in professional modeling tests such as Cinebench R10 or gaming tests like Call of Duty 4.

It simply means that the software devs are not optimizing their apps for OS X.

Curious coffee buzz question, Sarge. Are Macs better now at CAD and 3D than they used to be?

No, simply because the software isn't there. 3DMax is still PC only, and Maya isn't up to par with the Windows and Linux versions.

Not to mention pro 3D cards, which are plentiful on the Windows/Linux side of things but the choice on OS X currently is.. zero. Seriously, an HD4870 in the Mac Pro for "More graphics intensive work"? That's a year and a half old gaming card they want to charge me $200 extra for. Newegg sells them for around $120.

Apple needs to get serious about video cards, especially for pro work. That's the real problem.

However there are some good developments. For instance, I believe there is an OS X version of Artios CAD forthcoming (won't hold my breath though).

Seems like an odd backseat for Apple to take. I just count myself lucky that I got to look over some of the shoulders back at that shop. Watching stuff render today would probably leave me speechless (not that I'm tryin' to give anybody any ideas ).

Forget render times, Optimus Prime has 11,000+ parts to the model alone. It's gotten to the point where a person needs an engineering degree to create some of these effects.

Speaking of which, I can't imagine how much work went into the effects for 2012. Some of the shots in the trailers look unbelievable in terms of simulations required. Each and every car falling off an overpass has to be calculated, and there are tens of thousands. Not to mention the buildings falling, breaking apart, hitting each other. Wow.

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